Steel tips his glass at me from across the bar, and Ghost gives me a nod. Unlike the rest of the guys, they knew Iwas coming home today. I’ve been keeping them updated on my trip for security reasons.
Now, after five months, Willa and I have seen the whole country, fucked in every state—and every ocean. And now, we’re finally ready to put down roots again back in Vegas. It feels better than I thought it would. I’m back with my club.
My brothers.
I’m glad to be home.
“Damn, you look like the walking dead,” I say to Legacy when he walks up with Reagan.
Both he and Reagan have dark circles under their eyes. It’s clear they’re completely exhausted but here for the ceremony.
“Having a three-month-old will do that to you.” Legacy grips my shoulder. “We missed you, brother.”
“I missed you guys too.”
I’ve spent the past few months appreciating what my club has given me. They’ve been there through the hardest parts of my life. They welcomed me when I had nowhere to go. And when I needed it, they gave me time—space.
I’ll never be able to fully repay them for all they’ve done for me.
I pull Willa closer, kissing the top of her head.
“Wait a minute, when did this happen?” Soul stands up, reaching for my hand that’s resting on Willa’s shoulders. “You got married, and you didn’t tell me about it.”
“Surprise.” I laugh, and he flips me off. “It was a quick thing when we were working our way down the Pacific coast.”
“Your dress was stunning.” Reagan smiles.
“She got pictures, and I don’t even get a fucking text?” Soul juts his thumb at Reagan.
“Yeah, because she can actually keep a secret. Don’t worry, we said we’d throw something together at the clubhouse. We just took care of the legal shit so we’d have more time to party.”
He grins. “That I can get on board with. I’ll have Venom order the strippers.”
“Have fun with that.” I shake my head. “The only girl I want riding my lap naked is this one.”
Willa grins up at me, probably thinking about what we did last night.
I know I am.
“How is Sapphire Rise?” I ask.
“Venom’s been keeping an eye on things, but Kansas has it under control lately, so we haven’t had to hover as much as we did a few months ago.”
“He’s always been one of the good ones.”
Soul nods in agreement. “Speaking of good ones.”
Venom comes around the corner, and the brothers all cheer. A prospect hands me two beers, and I give one to Willa so we can join them. He walks through the room, getting clapped on the back as he goes, making his way over.
When he reaches us, he hugs Willa first. Venom claps my hand next, pulling me in and patting my back.
“Thanks for the vote from the road.”
“You earned it,” I tell him. “Now don’t fuck it up.”
“Mr. Heroic fuck shit up?” Soul grins, and Venom shakes his head. “Nah, he’s good.”
Steel whistles, and the room quiets. Someone turns down the music. He waves Venom over, and the crowd parts for him. When he stops at Steel’s side, Steel hands him a shot.
